The Business of Alt Protein: What founders need to know about M&A for mission-driven companies

James Marciano

CEO, TUCK ADVISORS

James Marciano is a (nearly) lifelong entrepreneur. After working as a management consultant for 5 years, James sold everything he owned in 1995, moved onto his brother’s floor in NYC, and started TheSquare, the first social network on the web. In 1997, he went on to found Refer-it, the first directory of affiliate/associate programs for e-commerce companies, which was acquired by internet.com in 1999. He then founded Return Path, a global email solution services company acquired by a private equity firm in 2019.

In 2001, James became a hands-on angel investor and funded a dozen startups from 2001-2015. Disappointed with the Silicon Valley M&A advisors he’d hired, James actively managed the sale of two of his portfolio companies, HurryDate and GigMasters, to public companies (Spark Networks and XO Group, respectively).

In 2016, he decided to use his experience selling companies to help other entrepreneurs by forming Tuck Advisors — an M&A Advisory firm which prioritizes working with mission-driven companies on both the sell side and buy side. Tuck Advisors distinguishes itself by its entrepreneurial spirit and technical innovation.

James graduated from Harvard College and Dartmouth Business School. He’s been quoted in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, and has spoken at the country’s top business schools, including Harvard, Tuck, Wharton, and Columbia. He enjoys life in New Hope, PA, with his wife, two children, two convertibles, and three BMW motorcycles.

Lisa Bowers

ADVISOR, TUCK ADVISORS

Lisa Bowers brings an integrated background in sustainability and business to Tuck Advisors. She is committed to scaling solutions that address climate-related health impacts, regenerate the biodiversity of valuable ecosystems, and provide food system resilience.

Drawing on two decades of experience in marketing, product management, and partnerships—including roles at National Geographic, Nabisco, and the U.S. Green Building Council—Lisa analyzes growth sectors and strategic opportunities where positive environmental impacts align with business value.

Her sustainability work spans supplier engagement, packaging, certifications, and decarbonization. At Tuck Advisors, Lisa helps purpose-driven companies achieve growth and sustainable impact through strategic M&A opportunities.